Leather and tanning

As the tanner deals with heavy machines and various chemicals, the tanning industry among other industries belongs to the potentially higher risk sectors regarding health and safety at the workplace. Wrong handling of machines can cause severe damage to the human body and improper handling of chemicals can create health hazards to humans. An inappropriate working environment can also increase sick leave and reduce motivation and commitment of workers. Therefore the Social Partners of the European Leather Industry, industriAll and COTANCE have developed an online tool to support small and medium sized tanners in particular in the proper management of occupational health and safety risks. The tool is meant as a reference to give valuable information and suggestions to perform a risk assessment for the tannery in order to minimise and eliminate health and safety risks. Implementation of the tool does not however ensure legal compliance with the respective national health and safety regulations. The tool has been developed at EU level and may serve as a basis when developing an OiRA leather and tanning tool at national level. This implies that specific changes are needed for national adaptions (e.g. national legislation). The tool is intended to raise awareness of health and safety issues in the tannery and give examples for good practices.

Leather and tanning

As the tanner deals with heavy machines and various chemicals, the tanning industry among other industries belongs to the potentially higher risk sectors regarding health and safety at the workplace. Wrong handling of machines can cause severe damage to the human body and improper handling of chemicals can create health hazards to humans. An inappropriate working environment can also increase sick leave and reduce motivation and commitment of workers. Therefore the Social Partners of the European Leather Industry, industriAll and COTANCE have developed an online tool to support small and medium sized tanners in particular in the proper management of occupational health and safety risks. The tool is meant as a reference to give valuable information and suggestions to perform a risk assessment for the tannery in order to minimise and eliminate health and safety risks. Implementation of the tool does not however ensure legal compliance with the respective national health and safety regulations. The tool has been developed at EU level and may serve as a basis when developing an OiRA leather and tanning tool at national level. This implies that specific changes are needed for national adaptions (e.g. national legislation). The tool is intended to raise awareness of health and safety issues in the tannery and give examples for good practices.